Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Iraq

Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Iraq.

What can I expect from Iraq?

Iraq were the last team to qualify and, if the bookies are to be believed, are likely to be amongst the first to go home. They are 2,000-1 outsiders for a reason but have been galvanised by straight-talking Aussie coach Graham Arnold, who has since simplified their approach.

Predecessor Jesus Casas was criticised for chopping and changing too often but Arnold has provided continuity in selection and straightforward tactics.

Their setup in March's play-off against Bolivia might provide the template this summer. In that game, Iraq stayed compact and played on the counter, though they demonstrated attacking intent by fielding two strikers, delivering early crosses to them whenever possible.

But while the Bolivians struggled to break down Iraq's two banks of four, Group I opponents Norway, France and Senegal have far more quality.

Nonetheless, Arnold looks likely to stick with his preferred 4-4-2 formation. That system worked well as his side drew 1-1 against an under-strength Spain on 4 June.

What are Iraq's strengths?

Arnold knows exactly how to motivate unfancied underdogs, having surpassed expectations to lead Australia to the last 16 in Qatar.

Iraq's only other World Cup was in 1986 and there is no pressure on this team. If they return home with a first ever point at the tournament, they will be greeted as heroes.

And what about their weaknesses?

Most of the squad face a huge step-up in quality, especially the 10 domestic-based players. Opta rank the Iraqi league as the 85th strongest in the world, seven places below League Two in England.

Those players with a higher talent ceiling typically play abroad but many have been struggling for regular games and may lack sharpness.

How might Iraq line up?

Which players should I look out for?

Al-Karma striker Aymen Hussein, 30, was the match-winner in the play-off versus Bolivia. The 6ft 2in tall target man dedicated the victory to Iraqis "who have suffered a lot" – and few have more than him. He lost both his father and brother to the violence that has engulfed the country in the past 20 years.

Amir Al Ammari, 28, is a central midfielder with Polish side Cracovia who made some crucial contributions in qualifying as a set-piece taker, though his main job is to protect the back four. He represented Sweden, where he was born, at youth level.

German-born left-back Merchas Doski, 26, worked as a bricklayer while playing lower league football before later turning professional. A regular for Czech top-flight side Viktoria Plzen, he scored a spectacular goal in June's draw with Spain.

Who is Iraq's head coach?

Graham Arnold coached Australia at the 2022 World Cup and was an assistant in 2006 and 2010. He has mainly based himself in Baghdad since getting the job in May 2025, preferring to immerse himself in Iraqi culture.

The 62-year-old says his priority is to make sure the players "keep calm and do what they do best – play with their mates in front of people".

How did Iraq qualify?

Iraq became the final side to qualify when they beat Bolivia 2-1 in Mexico in an intercontinental play-off. The Iraqi government declared a two-day public holiday to celebrate the achievement.

Where can I watch Iraq?

All of Iraq's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

One of Graham Arnold's first acts as Iraq boss was banning players from using social media on national team duty. He says it has had "a big impact", shielding the squad from the demanding Iraqi media and fans but also minimising distractions from the turbulent political situation in the Middle East.

Now give me some proper detail

No team's journey to the 2026 World Cup has been longer or harder than Iraq's – in every sense.

The 'Lions of Mesopotamia' contested 21 qualifiers, at least three more than any other side who made it to the tournament. They also used 49 different players in a mammoth campaign lasting 866 days.

The final step was the toughest. After overcoming the UAE in a two-legged eliminator, they travelled to Mexico for a winner-takes-all clash with Bolivia.

Iraqi airspace was shut because of the conflict in the Middle East, so the squad's domestic-based players made an arduous road trip to neighbouring Jordan before boarding a flight.

It took approximately two days for them to arrive in Monterrey but the team produced a gutsy performance to win 2-1, qualifying for just the second World Cup in their history.

Iraq's only other appearance was 40 years ago, when they bowed out with their heads held high, losing their three games by single-goal margins.

With Norway, France and Senegal awaiting in Group I, their task is even tougher this year. But boss Graham Arnold rejects suggestions it is a 'group of death', reframing the prospect of facing stars such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Sadio Mane as a "group of excitement".

How have Iraq done at previous World Cups?

Iraq reached their only previous World Cup in 1986, when they became the sixth Arab nation to feature at the tournament. They lost all three group games in Mexico, scoring their only goal in a 2-1 defeat by Belgium.